Williams’ reserve driver Susie Wolff has called today’s test a “fantastic experience” as she took a step towards gaining her FIA superlicense required to race in Formula One.

Wolff completed 89 laps in the FW35 car today, posting a fastest time of 1:35.093 that was good enough to see her finish 9th of out sixteen runners at Silverstone. However, she did admit that the test was physically challenging.

“It was fantastic today,” Wolff explained in a team statement. “The team did a great job getting me through the day, talking me through everything step by step.

“Physically it wasn’t easy, but it was what I was expecting. I was well prepared so it was completely manageable.”

On the whole, Wolff was delighted to have completed the test for Williams.

“It was a fantastic experience.”

Williams’ chief engineer Xevi Pujolar was full of praise for Wolff following her work today.

“Susie did a great job for us today,” Pujolar said. “Overall we have had a successful test, gathering lots of data to take back to the wind tunnel and have some experience to know what to expect from the tyres in Budapest.”

Wolff’s test also marks an important step forward for women in motorsport as she looks to become the first full-time female driver in the sport.